2001 Ron Paul 64:1
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, there are a number
of problems with this move to extend the Iran/
Libya Sanctions Act.
2001 Ron Paul 64:2
First, the underlying Act places way too
much authority both to make determinations
and to grant waivers, in the hands of the
President and the Executive Branch. As such,
it is yet another unconstitutional delegation of
authority which we ought not extend.
Moreover, as the Act applies to Libya, the
authority upon which the bill depends is a resolution
of the United Nations. So, any member
who is concerned with UN power should vote
against this extension.
2001 Ron Paul 64:3
Furthermore, the sanctions are being extended
from a period of five years to ten
years. If the original five year sanction period
has not been effective in allaying the fears
about these governments why do we believe
an extra five years will be effective? In fact,
few companies have actually been sanctioned
under this Act, and to the best of my knowledge
no oil companies have been so sanctioned.
Still, the sanctions in the Act are not
against these nations but are actually directed
at “persons” engaged in certain business and
investments in these countries. There are already
Executive Orders making it illegal for
US companies to undertake these activities in
these sanctioned countries, so this Act applies
to companies in other countries, mostly our allied
countries, almost all of whom oppose and
resent this legislation and have threatened to
take the kinds of retaliatory action that could
lead to an all out trade war. In fact, the former
National Security Advisor Brent Scrowcroft recently
pointed out how these sanctions have
had a significant adverse impact upon our
Turkish allies.
2001 Ron Paul 64:4
Mr. Speaker, I support those portions of this
bill designated to prohibit US financing through
government vehicles such as the Export-Import
Bank. I also have no problem with guarding
against sales of military technology which
could compromise our national security. Still,
on a whole, this bill is just another plank in the
failed sanctions regime from which we ought
to loosen ourselves.
2001 Ron Paul 64:5
The Bush Administration would prefer this
legislation to expire and, failing that, they prefer
taking a first step by making the extension
last for a shorter period. In this I believe the
Administration has taken the correct position.
For one thing, there have been moves, particularly
in Iran, to liberalize. We harm these
attempts by maintaining a sanctions regime.
2001 Ron Paul 64:6
I also have to point out the inconsistency in
our policy. Why would we sanction Iran but
not Sudan, and why would we sanction Libya
but not Syria? I hear claims related to our national
security but surely these are made in
jest. We subsidize business with the People’s
Republic of China but sanction Europeans
from helping to build oil refineries in Iran.
2001 Ron Paul 64:7
There has been a real concern in our country
regarding the price of gasoline. Since these
sanctions are directly aimed at preventing the
development of petroleum resources in these
countries, this bill will DIRECTLY RESULT IN
AMERICANS HAVING TO PAY A HIGHER
PRICE AT THE GASOLINE PUMP. These
sanctions HURT AMERICANS. British Petroleum
and others have refused to provide significant
investment for petroleum extraction in
Iran because of the uncertainty this legislation
helps to produce. The tiny nation of Qatar has
as much petroleum related investment as
does Iran since this legislation went into effect.
Again, this reduces supply and raises prices at
the gas pump.
2001 Ron Paul 64:8
Will the members of this body return to their
district and tell voters “I just voted to further
restrict petroleum supply and keep gas prices
high”? I doubt that.
2001 Ron Paul 64:9
Mr. Speaker, I am fully aware of the legislative
realities as regards this legislation and the
powerful interests that want it extended. However,
it is not just myself and the Bush Administration
suggesting this policy is flawed. The
Atlantic Council is a prestigious group cochaired
by Lee Hamilton, James Schlesinger
and Brent Scowcroft that has suggested in a
recent study that we ought to end sanctions
upon Iran.
2001 Ron Paul 64:10
Mr. Speaker, I believe the time has come
for us to consider the U.S. interest and the
benefits of friendly commerce with all nations.
We are particularly ill-advised in passing this
legislation and hamstringing the new Administration
at this time. I must oppose any attempt
to extend this Act and support any amendment
that would reduce the sanction period it
contemplates.
